Vitaliy Mykolenko in ‘Serious’ new Everton blow with MRI scan planned
Everton have already been dealt a blow ahead of a return to Premier League action with Vitaliy Mykolenko suffering an injury.
The international break may have come at a frustrating time for the Blues, who have been running off momentum since David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park.
The Toffees may also face tougher circumstances on their return to action after Mykolenko picked up an injury while on international duty with Ukraine.
Mykolenko injury update shared
The Toffees get straight back into Premier League action with a bang as they prepare to take on Liverpool at Anfield.
Their rivals may be in terrific form this season, looking well on track to win the Premier League title with little competition, but Everton are looking to upset them once again.
In the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski was responsible for scoring a 98th-minute winner to earn his side a point against their rivals.
Chaos ensued after the goal, with two players and Arne Slot being sent off after the final whistle.
Moyes may have to do it without Mykolenko, though, who was forced off with a thigh injury as Ukraine crashed to defeat against Belgium.
When asked about the extent of the problem, Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov said: “The fact Mykolenko couldn’t carry on today means it’s likely serious.
“We will see after his MRI scan.”
Moyes to end the season on a high with Everton
Although Moyes has been able to turn things around at Everton since his return to Merseyside, he hasn’t been fortunate with fitness issues.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked like he could be a rejuvenated player under his new boss, but suffered an injury almost immediately to keep him out, with Iliman Ndiaye also being subject to a similar fate.
Mykolenko has been a core part of the Toffees squad this season, making 27 appearances across the campaign so far, meaning Moyes will have a decision on his hands when it comes to filling in.
The boss has taken his side on an unbeaten run of nine games so far, which has pulled the Blues 17 points away from the relegation zone, with nothing to be too worried about anymore.
However, the boss will be hoping Mykolenko’s injury isn’t as serious as it sounds, while keeping his fingers crossed for the rest of his players who are in action before their return to Merseyside.
Everton hosted their second test event at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on Sunday (23 March) ahead of their move from the 2025-26 season.
The Toffees are set to usher into a new era as they leave Goodison Park, with test events in the 52,888-capacity stadium to make sure that arrangements around the hosting, transport and operations are perfect, with any problems ironed out.
